Shahid Afridi worried about Azam Khan's keeping in T20 World Cup 2024

Shahid Afridi has voiced concerns about Azam Khan's fitness and suitability for the Pakistan team, citing his poor T20I performances and perceived lack of fitness.

Azam's selection for the T20 World Cup follows a satisfactory performance in the 2024 PSL, where he managed to score 226 runs at an impressive strike rate of 171.21. However, his track record in T20 internationals has been underwhelming, with only 88 runs from 12 matches and 11 innings, averaging just 11 with a strike rate of 146.

While speaking to a local TV channel, Afridi emphasized the importance of fitness in cricket and expressed doubts about Khan's ability to keep wickets effectively, especially in West Indian conditions.

“Fitness is the main thing. If you are fit, your body language gives it away on the ground, be it while batting, bowling, or fielding. You can’t compromise on fitness. I would never let Azam Khan get anywhere near the team as far as fitness is concerned,” Afridi said.

“In England, the ball carries behind the stumps (while keeping). But when they’ll go to the West Indies, the ball won’t carry as much there, it will keep low. I hope he doesn’t struggle, but I am worried about his keeping against spinners in West Indian conditions with this fitness, because the ball stays low there and you have to keep your body low as well,” he added.

While Afridi didn't want to demotivate anyone before the T20 World Cup, he stressed the need for improvement in fitness levels. He intends to support the team during the tournament but suggests discussing and critiquing performances afterward.

“As a senior, my wish is to support every player as the team is going for the World Cup. After the World Cup we can discuss and criticise. But for now, I only want to support the boys and want to make sure that they don’t get any such message where they feel, ‘We are going for the World Cup and this is what Shahid bhai is talking about'” Afridi said.